"The Tempest" Act 1

Prospero uses his magic and historical narratives to manipulate the world around him to serve his personal needs. In example, Prospero explains to Ariel that "it was [his] magic that saved [him] when [he] arrived on the island..." (Shakespeare 37). Ariel back talks his servant because he was promised freedom if he complied to everything that Prospero ordered. Prospero reminds Ariel that he saved him and if it was not for him he would still be trapped inside a tree. This makes Ariel feel guilty; this makes him remember that he owes his life to Prospero. Prospero is able to bring up the past to keep Ariel under his control.  Moreover, Prospero explains to Miranda that they were not killed "because the people of Milan loved [him] too much" (25). Prospero claims that he was adored by the citizens of Milan. This narrative shows Miranda that her father was a good man in Milan, and that his brother, Antonio, was an evil man. This story could be completely false and quite possibly Prospero could have been exiled by the whole city of Milan. Miranda is forced to think that her father was a good man. With this opinion of her father she supports everything he does when he could be doing things with evil intentions, and she could be helping him achieve his goals without realizing what she is taking part in. In addition, Prospero reminds Caliban where he came from, "You horrible slave, with a wicked hag for a mother, and the devil himself for a father..."(41). Prospero's constant reminder to Caliban that he is evil makes him feel like he does not deserve freedom. If Caliban was not reminded of his evil mother and father he might not be so bad himself. Then when he does do something terrible Prospero can use it as an excuse to keep Caliban under his control.